The Emerald Coast of Florida is thought for its beautiful seashores, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back ambiance, excellent for household adventures!
Destin and Fort Walton Seaside are two of the most well-liked locations alongside this picturesque shoreline, providing an eclectic combine of outside actions, historical past, and family-friendly sights. Whether or not you’re seeking to unwind on the sand, discover native tradition, or embark on an exhilarating journey, this space has one thing for everybody.
On this information, we’ve rounded up the highest 10 issues to do in Destin and Fort Walton Seaside with youngsters that can make your subsequent household trip unforgettable. From crusing on the open waters to indulging in scrumptious seafood, right here’s every little thing that you must know to plan your loved ones journey to Destin and Fort Walton Seaside!
1. Cattywampus Catamaran
No go to to Destin is full with out a journey on the water, and one of the memorable methods to take action is aboard the Cattywampus Catamaran. This distinctive crusing expertise affords company the prospect to discover the beautiful shoreline of the Gulf whereas having fun with a calming and scenic cruise.
The Cattywampus affords each daytime and sundown cruises, every with its personal set of options. We took the daytime cruise with nice views of the shoreline and bought to see wild dolphins swim and bounce simply toes from the bow.
We additionally bought to leap off the boat to go snorkeling and discover the Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore. The crew was nice and even gave the youngsters a shot at steering the boat! It was an excellent enjoyable journey we’d undoubtedly advocate!
2. Fudpucker’s Gator Seaside – Meet the Locals (Alligators, That Is!)
For a singular expertise in Fort Walton Seaside, head to Fudpucker’s Gator Seaside. Often called the “World’s Best Gator Present,” this attraction affords guests the prospect to stand up shut and private with alligators. The very best half is the present is FREE; click on right here for showtimes.
At Gator Seaside, you possibly can feed the gators, take within the alligator present, and even maintain a child alligator for a memorable picture op – This was a giant hit with our youngsters aged 3 and 5!
Whether or not you’re a thrill-seeker or simply in search of a enjoyable approach to study Florida’s native wildlife, Fudpucker’s Gator Seaside is a must-see. Be sure that to remain for lunch on the enjoyable, quirky, and attractive restaurant! Only a heads up, the parts are big!
3. Set Sail on the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise – An Journey for the Complete Household
For households with younger kids, a visit aboard the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise in Destin is an absolute should. This family-friendly journey takes you on an exhilarating pirate-themed cruise. Full with costumed crew members, water gun fights, tattoos, and treasure hunts. Youngsters can change into honorary pirates, studying pirate lingo and becoming a member of in on the motion as they seek for hidden treasure.
The cruise departs from the Destin HarborWalk Village and gives a fun-filled expertise that mixes pleasure, storytelling, and loads of alternatives to make lasting recollections. Alongside the best way, you’ll even have the prospect to identify dolphins and different marine life, making this one of the standard sights for households in Destin.
4. Emerald Coast Science Middle – Discover, Be taught, and Play
The Emerald Coast Science Middle in Fort Walton Seaside is a hands-on museum that gives a incredible alternative for guests of all ages to have interaction in interactive reveals and be taught in regards to the world round them. With shows overlaying every little thing from area exploration to robotics, the science heart is a must-visit that our youngsters actually loved.
The middle options greater than 100 reveals, together with actual robots that the youngsters can attempt, an enormous bubble maker, a big outside studying area, and stay animal shows. When you’re touring with younger kids, the science heart’s Youngsters Zone gives an space full of age-appropriate, partaking actions.
5. Benefit from the Lovely Seashores
Destin and Fort Walton Seaside are house to a number of the most stunning seashores in the USA, identified for his or her tender, white (and squeaky) sand and emerald inexperienced waters. Whether or not you favor lounging underneath an umbrella with a great guide, having fun with water sports activities like paddleboarding and jet snowboarding, or taking a leisurely stroll alongside the shoreline, the seashores right here supply the right place to unwind.
Destin’s Crystal Seaside and Fort Walton’s Okaloosa Island are two of the world’s hottest spots. Each seashores supply quick access to the water and exquisite views of the Gulf of Mexico. For a quieter expertise, you possibly can head to Henderson Seaside State Park in Destin or the serene seashores of Santa Rosa Island in Fort Walton Seaside.
6. Discover the Destin HarborWalk Village – Buying, Eating, and Enjoyable
The Destin HarborWalk Village is a vibrant hub of exercise the place guests can take pleasure in procuring, eating, and leisure steps away from the water. This vigorous space is house to quite a lot of outlets, eating places, bars, and sights, making it an ideal place to spend a day or night.
Whether or not you’re within the temper to browse native outlets, seize a chew to eat, or catch a stay music efficiency, the HarborWalk Village has one thing for everybody. Common sights on the HarborWalk embrace zip lining, boat excursions and charters, and even fireworks exhibits in the course of the summer time months.
7. Marler Park – A Native Playground for Households
When you’re in search of a enjoyable place to burn off some vitality, Marler Park in Fort Walton Seaside is the right place to go. This native park contains a spacious playground with loads of gear for youths to discover, together with swings, slides, and climbing buildings.
Marler Park is a superb spot to take a break from the seaside and get the youngsters transferring. Marler Park simply opened in March of 2025 and is de facto properly accomplished. The play gear is about to a coastal theme with numerous components from the ocean – It’s far more than simply one other playground!
8. Fishing Museum – Uncover Destin’s Wealthy Fishing Heritage
Often called the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin has a protracted historical past of fishing, and the Destin Fishing Museum is the right place to be taught extra about this beloved business. Positioned close to the Destin Harbor, the museum showcases the world’s wealthy fishing heritage, that includes reveals on the historical past of business fishing, native fishermen, and the instruments of the commerce.
You’ll additionally discover spectacular shows of native marine life and a group of classic fishing gear. When you’re a fishing fanatic or simply within the space’s historical past, the Destin Fishing Museum is a pleasant cease that gives perception into the tradition of this coastal neighborhood.
9. Air Drive Armament Museum Basis– Historical past Meets Aviation
Historical past buffs and aviation fans will love the Fort Walton Air Drive Armament Museum. Positioned simply exterior of Fort Walton Seaside, this museum affords an up-close take a look at the historical past of aviation and the U.S. Air Drive. The museum homes an unlimited assortment of plane together with historic artifacts and interactive reveals.
One of many museum’s highlights is the chance to see a number of the most iconic planes up shut, together with fighter jets, helicopters, and bombers. With each indoor and outside shows, the Fort Walton Air Drive Museum is an informative and fascinating vacation spot for guests of all ages.
10. Nice Native Eating places – Savor the Flavors of the Gulf
Destin and Fort Walton Seaside are identified for his or her recent seafood and numerous eating choices. Whether or not you’re within the temper for an off-the-cuff beachside meal or a chic dinner overlooking the Gulf, there’s no scarcity of nice eating places to select from.
Some native favorites embrace The Shack, a hidden gem in Fort Walton Seaside identified for its scrumptious, laid-back ambiance and nice seafood dishes. When you’re craving one thing extra informal, Fudpucker’s affords nice meals with the added bonus of Gator Seaside, the place you possibly can stand up shut and private with alligators.
For a extra refined eating expertise, head to The Treatment on the Beal Home in Fort Walton Seaside. This upscale spot serves up craft cocktails and connoisseur dishes in a classy, historic setting, excellent for a night out.
If in case you have a candy tooth, be sure to cease by Parlor Doughnuts, an area favourite providing uniquely decadent doughnuts that you simply gained’t discover wherever else.
For a really beachy vibe, head to The Gulf, a stylish, laid-back restaurant with beautiful waterfront views and a scrumptious menu that includes recent seafood and coastal-inspired dishes.
And at last, don’t miss Al’s Seaside Membership in Destin, the place you possibly can take pleasure in a incredible meal whereas enjoyable in an informal, beachside setting that completely captures the spirit of the Gulf Coast.
The place to Keep in Destin: The Beal Home Lodge – A Charming Escape in Fort Walton Seaside
For a memorable and cozy keep in Fort Walton Seaside, think about reserving a room at The Beal Home Lodge. This charming boutique resort affords a singular mix of contemporary facilities and historic attraction, making it the right base for exploring the Emerald Coast.
Located in a handy location, The Beal Home gives quick access to native sights, together with the Emerald Coast Science Middle and exquisite close by seashores, whether or not you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or an prolonged keep. We cherished the heated pool, having the ability to stroll proper out to the seaside, nice restaurant proper onsite, and the beds!
Destin and Fort Walton Seaside are two of Florida’s best-kept secrets and techniques, providing the right mixture of pure magnificence, thrilling sights, and native tradition.
Whether or not you’re right here for a weekend or an extended keep, these 10 issues to do in Destin and Fort Walton with youngsters will guarantee you have got an unforgettable household journey to the Emerald Coast!
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